Macbeth - Lesson 3 - Features Worksheet

In the third lesson focusing on Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', students are presented with a worksheet that prompts them to explore the features of Act 1, Scene 1. The scene is set in a desolate place, accompanied by atmospheric thunder and lightning, which immediately creates a tone of foreboding and suspense. The entrance of three witches establishes the presence of supernatural elements, a key feature of the play. The witches' dialogue is cryptic and full of paradoxes, such as "When the battle's lost and won," suggesting themes of conflict and the inversion of natural order. Their speech is rhythmic and chant-like, enhancing the mystical quality of the scene and setting the stage for the themes of fate and prophecy that will be central to the play.

The interaction among the witches reveals their intention to meet with the protagonist, Macbeth, hinting at his future involvement with these ominous figures. The mention of a meeting place "upon the heath" adds to the desolate and wild setting, further accentuating the dark mood of the play. This opening scene is brief but impactful, introducing students to the language and motifs that Shakespeare uses to weave a tale of ambition, power, and the supernatural. The worksheet likely encourages students to identify and analyse these dramatic features, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the text as they progress through the play.